March 1862 Letter d/l Camp Taylor near Orange C H VA - Lt. J. W. McClure, 5th GA

Description

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Absolutely an original item, not a reproduction.  This item is a "Soldier's Due" in philatelic terms--to denote an envelope without stamps but with the postage unpaid, sent from the front where soldiers did not have the ability to find stamps or money to purchase stamps.  The addressee paid the postage.
You are purchasing both the postal envelope and the original letter.
An original envelope with the original letter present, both are in excellent condition.  The letter is datelined "Camp Taylor near Orange C H Va., March 27th 1862."  The sender and writer is Lt. J. W. McClure, 5th Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers.  It is addressed to Mrs. J. C. McLure, Care of Col. Dawkins, Unionville, SC."  The letter and cover are in exceptional condition, save for a missing rear flap on the envelope.  A prior owner has written pencil notations on the rear of the envelope.  The letter is headed "My Dearest Kate," content includes:
"This is a beautiful, sunny springlike afternoon, quite in contrast with that chilly, cludy weather of the past week or two.  I have enjoying it on hilltop near by, amusing myself the meanwhile in watching the madness of our regiment, which with several others has drilling on the plain beyond.  It was indeed a pretty sight, the long lines of glistening guns and waving of "battle flags," while a battery of artillery going through the drill on the same field added variety to the scent.  If the weather was always pleasant as now, I could almost fancy myself falling in love with a military life, & really there is something captivating about it, bad weather, have marches & all included.  It will be a solemn posting when disbandment takes place & we who have been so closely associated for the past eleven months have to bid each other adieu.  I learn that reorganization takes place on Monday week, the 7th of April & at that time the reenlisted companies will be thrown into regiments and reelect their field officers.  I have not solicited for reasons before stated but if I was so disposed, I am unable to do so advantageously here, in as much as so few of the Company are willing to reenlist.  Lyles is here and has made great extensions to introduce them without success.  My line of conduct must be decided after seeing how matters are at home. Should your health admit of my absence, I shall probably go into service in Elick Walker's Company, without Col. Dawkins will add to the many, many kindnesses I have already been the recipient of at his hands, by procuring for me a Commission as a Lieut in our State Troops.  I hesitate to ask this however, for fear of drawing too largely on his generous nature.  Though I think by an early application it might be obtained, if Gov. P has not already disposed of every thing in this way to the
low country
.  I hope that our Brigade will succeed in training out two regiments for the war, by the day of reorganization, which will require four or five companies yet, to be made.  Should this be done, I will think they have done pretty well.  I have received no letter from you very recently, which I regret, as I am most anxious to hear of the health of the negroes.  I presume Gen'l Johnston will not stop letters into, if he does, as they say, stop all
from
camp.  I wrote Holmes soon after the receipt of yours telling of so much sickness & Wms death, telling him to put thirty five acreas of land next to Goodman Jeffies' in corn, which I had told him wile hat home to plant in Cotton; also to reduce the number of acres to be planted in corn in the large field, in shiwh stands the old Morrises' house,
to the best land
, leaving out a good deal next the same.  If he did not receive this letter, please give the directions.  I am becoming more & more anxious to see you as the time appreciates this wish is likely to be gratified.  The days seem to spin out to an immeasurable length.  In the hope that nothing will access to present this much desire consummation longer than the week after next, I remain with love to all, kisses to the children & much love to yourself, Yours Devotedlly, J. W. McLure.
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